EX-STOURBRIDGE FC boss Ian Long has returned to the manager's post at Alvechurch - barely 48 hours after leaving the Glassboys.

Long, who parted ways with Stourbridge 'by mutual consent' on Monday, was reappointed to the Alvechurch job, which he quit to take over the Glassboys at the end of last season, this morning.

He has also brought his management team members Rich Colwell and Chris Walwyn with him, and has asked to retain the services of current number two Matt Kirby as they prepare for the task of staving off relegation at Alvechurch.

Long left Church at the end of last season, having guided the club to within an ace of play-off glory - beating Stourbridge along the way.

But they currently sit second from bottom in the Southern League Premier Central Division, with just four wins and 20 defeats from 29 league games to date this term.

His first game back in charge comes on Saturday as Alvechurch travel to third-from-bottom St Ives Town in a relegation battle six-pointer.

Stourbridge are yet to announce a permanent successor to Long, by player Alex Nicholls was put in interim control for last night's 3-1 defeat at Royston Town.